​​​​​​We provide an invaluable link between the university and the wider community: supporting schools, colleges, local groups and other regional and national networks in promoting progression into higher education.

The focus of our work is to educate, advise and inspire students to consider higher education, especially those who may not have previously considered it an option. As a team we are responsible for developing relations and links with schools and colleges, primarily through our Compact Agreement.

Take part in exciting activities and events

Our regular events are available for any school or group, with prior booking needed. Your students will enjoy a range of engaging activities designed for them to have fun and get a feeling for what the university is like. View our
calendar of events to find out more and register your interest.

“Thank you so much for a wonderful day for our students. The feedback I received today was phenomenal. They were so impressed…it truly was a brilliant experience for them.” Teacher, Truro and Penwith College (Teacher Training Taster Day)

​Open evenings and careers fairs

Book us for your open evening or careers fair. Our enthusiastic team can offer impartial advice about careers, subject choices, progression routes, and information about the University of Gloucestershire.

Strategic Alliance

Our Strategic Alliance was formed to raise the quality, range and accessibility of higher education in the area through stronger links between further and higher education. The partners are:

University of Gloucestershire

Gloucestershire College

South Gloucestershire and Stroud College

Bath College

Students coming to us through the Strategic Alliance are eligible to apply for a bursary to support their studies. The collaboration is seeing a range of new courses available to students each year.

Grows GAP Project - National Collaborative Outreach Programme

GROWS is a network of the six providers of higher education within Gloucestershire, who deliver a range of university-level courses. GROWS provides a single contact point for schools and colleges to access information and activities relating to aspiration towards, and progression to, higher education. The six institutions are:

University of Gloucestershire

Royal Agricultural University

Gloucestershire College

Cirencester College

Hartpury College and University Centre

South Gloucestershire and Stroud College

The network works with schools and colleges to encourage young people to make informed choices about their future options, including increasing awareness of the benefits of higher education.

GROWS provides information for teachers, parents and carers and for learners.

The Gloucestershire Aspiration Programme (GAP) is a HEFCE funded project under the NCOP scheme delivered in Gloucestershire through the GROWS network, led by the University of Gloucestershire. The project works with ten schools and one college to provide intensive activities to increase progression rates of targeted learners who have the ability to consider university level study. Working closely with those schools, their learners and wider communities will enable a broad but coherent and progressive programme of activities, providing learners with the information and tools to aspire higher and fulfil their full potential.